Major Bummer

T

theGOOCH

2
Well I hadn't taken my blood pressure since February and it was better than ever then. Since then I've lost a lot of weight, got leaner, really dialed in my nutrition and started running...and guess what? It's high again. 140/85 tonight

My doc and a couple specialists tried for about 5 years with every med available and combinations of meds....nothing made any appreciable difference.

Oh well, I guess at least I might extend my life expectancy a little bit with all the changes I've made even if I can't have good blood pressure
 
You've really tried all the meds and nothing worked? Alpha blocker? ARB? Beta blocker? Nothing??

On a side note, what's your water intake look like for the day?
 
...and calcium channel blocker

I don't really measure my water intake, but I'd say at least a 1/2 gallon on top of 1/2 gallon milk. I try to drink a lot of fluids so I won't retain. I also keep my sodium low.

I suspect my problem is based in anxiety. I've always had kind of a fear of docs and any type of med procedure and I can feel myself getting anxious even when taking my own bp. At the doc office it is always higher than at home (It has been sky high a few times there, but never at home) It's always higher when I haven't taken it for a long time and I'm worried about what it will be.

When I had my vasectomy (btw it took me about 6 months to work up the courage for that one LOL) my bp was high when I walked in, but when I was sedated (awake, but not really aware what was going on) it was like 110/60

If I'm right, it still sucks because that means my real bp will always be an unknown.

The funny thing is since I've been running my heart rate is in the 50's, but the bp can still run high
 
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"White coat syndrome" is not uncommon and can be responsible for high recordings like your case Gooch.

If your concerned enough you can purchase a pressure cuff, and that way you can consistently monitor it at home. Your pulse pressure is arguably even more important, which is the difference between diastolic and systolic that determines your aterial stiffness. Your's is 55 which isn't to bad.

Dont forget exercise (aerobic) can acutely lower your blood pressure 5-10mmgh 22hours. What this means is that if you exercise everyday or most days you can lower your bp.
 
I agree, but if you're taking your bp at home then that should be kept to a minimum. And although your PP is important, overall high blood pressure can cause a host of problems by itself.

Have you looked into anti-anxiety meds at all gooch?
 
I take my bp at home and even that makes me anxious...I'm worried the whole time what it's going to be...although its better than at the doc. Sometimes I get good readings at home, never at the doc

I see no difference on days I run vs. other days

I might be forced to try anti-anxiety meds although I hate having to take anything

I tried Buspar at one time and it did nothing. I think that's pretty mild though
 
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There hundreds of different meds I'm sure there must beat least one..keep trying.

Didn't work? It should, aerobic exercise of at least thirty minutes vasodilates vessels and reduceds sympathetic activity :p If you have no risk factor of cardiovascular disease you shouldn't be worried it's aint that bad..
 
theGOOCH said:
I've lost a lot of weight, got leaner, really dialed in my nutrition and started running...
Click to expand...

Maybe a consult with a nutritionist to talk about what your diet is and what they can "tweek" to help your blood pressure.

Your physical fitness, should mean something when it comes to your blood pressure however, if there are secondary underlying problems it may be difficult to find out what will help. Do they do a complete physical on you as well? Blood tests and all? (I'm not talking about the HP test, I'm talking about all the others)

The fact that you eat right, workout, and maintain a healthy living habit is key. But there are outside factors (stress for example) that will throw you off course if you let it. Anxiety could very well be the reason why you see some high results.

Maybe you need to practice a few relaxing techniques....Getting regular massages, meditation, find ways to relieve yourself of your anxiety and stress through an outlet. Maybe it will help lower those numbers......
 
gotfit said:
Maybe a consult with a nutritionist to talk about what your diet is and what they can "tweek" to help your blood pressure.

Your physical fitness, should mean something when it comes to your blood pressure however, if there are secondary underlying problems it may be difficult to find out what will help. Do they do a complete physical on you as well? Blood tests and all? (I'm not talking about the HP test, I'm talking about all the others)

The fact that you eat right, workout, and maintain a healthy living habit is key. But there are outside factors (stress for example) that will throw you off course if you let it. Anxiety could very well be the reason why you see some high results.

Maybe you need to practice a few relaxing techniques....Getting regular massages, meditation, find ways to relieve yourself of your anxiety and stress through an outlet. Maybe it will help lower those numbers......
Click to expand...

I tried meditation, in fact I did it for a few years because I enjoyed it, but it did little to help. Maybe I'll just have to try meds...but that makes me, well..anxious LOL
 
I'm trying the "flooding" technique and taking my bp several times a day so maybe I'll get used to it and not be so anxious, it's coming down, but I'm not happy with the number yet. At least I'm in the "pre-hypertension" stage right now
 
Update:I bought a book on cognitive behavioral therapy and have been practicing the techniques to cope with stress and anxiety. My bp was down to 120/71 today.
 
Multi, fish oil, Move Free (glucosamine/condroitin), saw palmetto (don't have any problems in that area, but started taking it when my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer)
 
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I also suffer from white coat syndrome, and feared that my doctor would base medicine dosages on my readings while in their office. I began, like you, by taking my BP at home. I tracked my BP on . They provide a graphical representation of your BP over time. I now print these off and take them with me to my checkups, and it has helped greatly in ensuring that my med levels are based on reality...and not on some inflated white coat number. Good luck to you. :)
 
I took a little time away. I've been spending too much time on here. Doin' well. I think I'm only going to check in once or twice a week. Otherwise I become obsessive LOL

My bp is way down since reading that CBT book and actually practicing it.
 
theGOOCH said:
I took a little time away. I've been spending too much time on here. Doin' well. I think I'm only going to check in once or twice a week. Otherwise I become obsessive LOL

My bp is way down since reading that CBT book and actually practicing it.
Click to expand...

I hear ya man. Glad to hear your bp is doing better. Take it easy amigo!
 
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